Implementation Intention
Editor's note: I have a new email newsletter, sent weekly, called Wes's Wednesday Wisdom. Click here to subscribe
In James Clear’s new book, Atomic Habits, he discusses the concept of implementation intention. Simply put, this is a statement that puts into words your plans for executing a new habit. As he puts it, “when situation X arises, I will perform response Y.”
This same formulation can be put to good use when it comes to data management. I often hear my clients say “I can’t find the time to clean up the data in the database.” While this may true, a clear implementation intention might help address this issue on a daily basis. Here’s my suggestion:
“When staff is in the database working on a record, staff will check the record for accuracy and completeness, confirming that data is complete in the following areas: [e.g., address, phone, email, key demographics].”
They key to building a good habit is clearly stating what the habit is, and when the habit will be executed. Many of my clients know this, but the piece that is missing is “clearly stating” the intention. I recommend giving this a try in your association.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Action isn’t the same as progress
Action isn’t the same as progress I’ve written before that not taking action is an …
Start with the end in mind
Start with the end in mind Like so many, I probably first heard the phrase …
It’s quiet in here…maybe TOO quiet…
It’s quiet in here…maybe TOO quiet… One of the truisms of data management is that …
It’s ALWAYS about expectations
It’s ALWAYS about expectations The headline reads: “Tesla sets record for vehicle deliveries, an increase …
It’s hard to get UNangry
It’s hard to get UNangry I often emphasize to my clients the importance of testing …
Some history IS important!
Some history IS important! When I’m advising clients on data conversion (moving data from one …
“Many mickles make a muckle.”
“Many mickles make a muckle.” “Many mickles make a muckle.” – George Washington Apparently, this …
It’s easy to collect; it’s harder to manage
It’s easy to collect; it’s harder to manage The beauty of today’s highly configurable AMS …
Tell them why you want the data
Tell them why you want the data Because data is so easy to collect these …
Don’t get hung up on something minor
Don’t get hung up on something minor I’m a problem solver. I love to solve …